Dear Fellow Immunologists,
It is with great pleasure and anticipation that I invite you to attend the FAIS 2026 Congress, to be held from 30 November – 3 December 2026 in the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Cape Town, South Africa. Renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and world-class conference facilities, Cape Town provides an inspiring setting for meaningful scientific exchange and collaboration.
FAIS 2026 will bring together leading researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and emerging scientists from across Africa and around the world. Convened under the theme “The Heart of Integrated Immunity: Advancing African Solutions for Global Health,” the Congress will serve as a dynamic platform to explore cutting-edge scientific advances, share innovative ideas, and strengthen collaborative networks within our diverse immunology community.
Delegates can look forward to a stimulating and contemporary scientific programme featuring keynote lectures by distinguished international and African experts, interactive symposia and panel discussions, and a vibrant industry exhibition. The Congress is intentionally designed to foster knowledge exchange, encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, and support the continued growth and visibility of immunology research, clinical practice, and policy across the African continent and beyond.
As we gather in Cape Town, we will also reflect on our shared responsibility to address pressing global and regional health challenges, including infectious diseases, emerging immunological conditions, health inequities, and the growing impact of environmental and ecological change on human health. FAIS 2026 aims to highlight African-led science and solutions that contribute meaningfully to integrated global health.
On behalf of the Federation of African Immunological Societies, I warmly invite you to join us for what promises to be an engaging, impactful, and memorable Congress. We look forward to welcoming you to Cape Town in December 2026.
Warm regards,
The Federation of African Immunological Societies (FAIS) bridges immunology societies from African Countries. The activities of FAIS are intended to complement those of other similar organisations. Any Africa-based country’s immunological society may join. Currently, Cameroon, Congo, Egypt, The Gambia, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia and Zimbabwe are represented in FAIS. The FAIS constitution is undergoing amendments.
VISION
To advance the field of immunology on the African continent.
MISSION
To enhance communication between, and education of, Africa-based immunologists. To promote research, clinical and animal care, and advocacy efforts that impact immune system-related morbidity and mortality.
Stay informed – follow us on social media and sign up for our FAIS Newsletter to receive the latest updates, insights, and exclusive opportunities straight to your inbox.
JOIN FAIS
FAIS 2026 will convene from 30 November – 3 December 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, in the iconic city of Cape Town, bringing together African and global immunologists in Cape Town to accelerate solutions for infectious and emerging immunological disorders-areas.
This premier gathering of scientists, clinicians, researchers, and industry professionals will explore the latest developments shaping the future of immunology. Under the theme “The Heart of Integrated Immunity: Advancing African Solutions for Global Health”, the Congress will highlight progress made across the continent while driving forward innovative research and collaboration to address current and emerging health challenges.
Why Attend?
FAIS 2026 offers a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge scientific advancements and connect with influential leaders in the field of immunology. Attendees will benefit from rich discussions, new insights, and valuable networking opportunities that can lead to meaningful collaborations. Set against the backdrop of Cape Town’s natural beauty and cultural vibrancy, the Congress provides an inspiring environment to exchange ideas, expand professional networks, and contribute to advancing health outcomes across Africa and beyond.
What to Expect
The Congress programme will deliver a diverse and engaging experience, including keynote presentations by renowned experts, interactive panel discussions, hands-on workshops, and industry exhibitions. The theme underscores the importance of sustained progress in immunology, focusing on strengthening responses to infectious diseases, advancing understanding of emerging immunological conditions, and integrating innovative approaches to improve healthcare resilience. FAIS 2026 will serve as a platform to showcase breakthroughs, share best practices, and inspire forward-thinking solutions.
Who Should Attend?
Scientific & Academic Community
- Immunologists (basic, clinical, and translational)
- Researchers and scientists in life sciences
- Postdoctoral fellows, PhD, MSc, and undergraduate students
- Academic faculty and educators
Healthcare & Clinical Professionals
- Medical doctors and specialists (e.g., infectious diseases, allergy, pathology)
- Clinical immunologists
- Nurses and allied health professionals
- Public health practitioners
Industry & Innovation Leaders
- Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies
- Vaccine developers and diagnostics companies
- Laboratory and medical technology providers
- CROs and research organisations
Policy Makers & Public Health Stakeholders
- Government representatives
- Health policy advisors
- NGOs and global health organisations
- Representatives from African and international health bodies
Students & Emerging Scientists
- Young investigators and early-career researchers
- Scholarship and grant recipients
- Participants in poster and oral presentation sessions
Join us at FAIS 2026 to be part of a transformative scientific experience and help shape the future of immunology in Africa.
Keynote Speakers
Plenary Speakers
REGISTER HERE
Welcome to the registration page for the Federation of African Immunology Societies Congress (FAIS 2026).
We are delighted to invite you to join leading immunologists, researchers, clinicians, industry partners, and policymakers from across Africa and around the world for this premier scientific gathering. FAIS 2026 will provide a vibrant platform to share the latest advances in immunology, foster collaboration, and address pressing health challenges affecting our continent and beyond.
The congress will feature an engaging and diverse scientific programme, including keynote lectures from internationally renowned experts, cutting-edge research presentations, interactive workshops, and valuable networking opportunities. Key themes will explore infectious diseases, vaccinology, immune responses, emerging health threats, and the critical role of immunology in advancing the One Health agenda.
Delegates will have the opportunity to exchange knowledge, build meaningful partnerships, and contribute to innovative solutions that strengthen health systems and improve outcomes across Africa.
Whether you are an established expert or an emerging scientist, FAIS 2026 offers a unique opportunity to connect with the African and global immunology community and be part of shaping the future of health on the continent.
We look forward to welcoming you to an inspiring and memorable congress.
Full Registration Attendance
- Important: Refreshments and lunches will be available for purchase at the venue (in the exhibition hall or at the restaurant on the ground level) throughout the congress.
- *Students include postdocs up to 5 years post-PhD.
- Congress promotional material.
- Access to all sessions and exhibition area
- Welcome Reception
- EXCLUDED: All refreshments, lunches (can be purchased onsite) and Official Congress Dinner
Day Registration Attendance
Day Registration entitles delegates to the following:
- Congress promotional material.
- Access to all sessions and exhibition area on the day of attendance.
- Welcome Reception
- EXCLUDED: All refreshments, lunches (can be purchased onsite) and Official Congress Dinner
Accompanying Person Registration entitles attendee to the following:
- Access to exhibition area only
- EXCLUDED: All refreshments, lunches (can be purchased onsite) and Official Congress Dinner
For group registrations, please contact [email protected].
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations must be notified in writing to the Congress Secretariat at [email protected].
Note: there will be a ZAR 250.00 administration fee charged for all refunds.
- Cancellations from 01 July 2026 to 30 September 2026 will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
- Cancellations on or after 01 October 2026 will receive no refund.
Accommodation
Individual participants make their own reservation via an online booking link. As soon as the booking has been done by the individual, the guest guarantees for this reservation with a credit card and this reservation cannot be cancelled free of charge anymore. In case of a no-show, the full amount of the stay will be charged to the individual’s credit card.
- Book Accommodation
- Book Airport Transfers
- Book Half-day & Full-day Tours
- Travel and Safety Advice
- Get your Cape Town Guide
- VISA Information
- Every visitor to South Africa must have a valid passport.
- Passengers travelling to South Africa must be in possession of a passport with two unused pages required for endorsements.
- Two unused pages when presented for purposes of endorsing a port of entry visa, visa, permanent residence permit, or entry of departure stamp.
- The passport must be machine readable however, the foreigner may be admitted into or depart from South Africa with a non-machine-readable passport provided that:
- He or she is from a foreign country that is issuing machine readable passports and has not completely phased out the non-machine-readable passports; and
- Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after your intended date of departure.
Passport holders from more than 80 countries, including USA, Canada, UK, Japan, and the EU can visit South Africa without a visa. A list of countries that currently do not require a visa can be found at the South African Government website.
Information regarding visas can be obtained from your travel agent or the South African diplomatic or consular representative in your area. Delegates requiring visas, and who intend taking tours to neighbouring Southern African countries, are advised to secure a multiple entry visa. Tourists must satisfy immigration officers that they have the means of support for the duration of their stay in the country and return /onward tickets.
Key Visa-Free/Visa-on-Arrival Regions for South Africans (2026):
- Africa: Botswana, Lesotho, Mauritius, Seychelles, Tanzania, Kenya, Angola, Benin, Cape Verde, Ghana, Mozambique.
- Asia: Thailand (30 days), Singapore (30 days), Indonesia (30 days), Qatar, South Korea, Macau, Hong Kong.
- Americas: Argentina, Brazil, Bahamas, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Guyana
- Europe: Georgia, Kosovo, Russian Federation.
- Middle East: Israel, Saudi Arabia, Jordan
Visas cannot be obtained on arrival.
Click here to view the visa requirements to enter South Africa.
On entry to South Africa, a visa is considered to be a visitor’s permit. The permit’s period of validity is calculated from the date of entry into the country and will be set out under the heading “conditions” on the visa label.
Please ensure that you apply for the correct visa/permit. Entry into the country may be refused if the purpose of the visit was not correctly stated. Requirements for visitor visas differ from country to country (click here to see which countries are currently exempt), and the requirements are subject to change.
Please ensure that you apply for the correct visa/permit. Entry into the country may be refused if the purpose of the visit was not correctly stated. Requirements for visitor visas differ from country to country (click here to see which countries are currently exempt), and the requirements are subject to change. Each application is treated individually. You should make an appointment with your nearest South African consulate. There is a fee charged for processing a visa, so you should check beforehand what this will be (it differs from country to country.) The fee is payable in different currencies in different countries.
Foreigners with work permits or permit residence) in neighbouring countries who transit through South Africa to their places of employment or residence are not subject to the transit visa, provided they are in possession of proof of their status.
South African visitors’ visas may be granted for:
- Visits to family or friends and also for tourism purposes
- Business purposes
- Joining a spouse who is in South Africa on a work or study permit
- Children to join parents who are in South Africa on work or study permits
- Fiancée/ fiancé to join his or her partner
- Study purposes (max stay 3 months)
- Charitable or voluntary activities
- Research
- Conferences
- To work in the production of a movie or show
SPONSOR A YOUNG SCIENTIST
It is our great pleasure to invite you to partner with us at the Federation of African Immunology Societies Congress (FAIS 2026), a premier gathering of leading scientists, clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders from across Africa and around the world.
FAIS 2026 will serve as a dynamic platform for advancing immunological science, fostering collaboration, and addressing some of the most pressing health challenges of our time—from infectious and emerging diseases to vaccine development and the broader One Health agenda. This congress presents a unique opportunity for organisations to engage with a highly influential and diverse audience at the forefront of health innovation and research.
As a valued sponsor or exhibitor, you will gain direct access to key decision-makers, thought leaders, and future innovators in immunology and related fields. The congress offers exceptional opportunities to showcase your products, services, technologies, and initiatives, while strengthening your brand visibility and positioning your organisation as a committed partner in advancing health across Africa.
Our sponsorship and exhibition packages have been thoughtfully designed to provide meaningful engagement, high-impact visibility, and strong return on investment. From plenary sessions and networking events to exhibition spaces and digital platforms, FAIS 2026 offers multiple touchpoints to connect with delegates and create lasting partnerships.
We invite you to join us in shaping the future of immunology in Africa. Your support will not only enhance the success of the congress but also contribute to building capacity, driving innovation, and improving health outcomes across the continent.
We look forward to welcoming you as a valued partner at FAIS 2026.
Why should you participate
- Elevate your organisation’s profile by participating in one of Africa’s leading immunology congresses, bringing together a diverse and influential community of scientists, clinicians, researchers, students, and policymakers.
- Gain meaningful brand exposure to a targeted audience of immunology professionals from academia, government, healthcare, research institutions, and the private sector.
- Benefit from maximum visibility through a centrally located exhibition integrated with catering and poster areas—ensuring consistent delegate engagement and high foot traffic.
- Enhance your organisation’s presence through a wide range of marketing and branding opportunities across multiple platforms.
- Build and strengthen relationships through direct, face-to-face engagement with key stakeholders and decision-makers.
- Showcase your products, services, and innovations, generate high-quality leads, and launch new initiatives within a focused and receptive environment.
- Maximise your investment by connecting with a relevant audience in a setting designed to encourage meaningful interaction, away from everyday distractions.
- Stay informed on the latest developments and breakthroughs in immunology, positioning your organisation at the forefront of scientific and healthcare innovation.
- Be part of an impactful event where your contribution supports the advancement of immunology and improved health outcomes across Africa and beyond.
DOWNLOAD THE PROSPECTUS
For any additional information or queries, please reach out to our Congress Organisers.
Ms Corné Engelbrecht CEPA, CMP
SAVETCON Event Management
Congress Manager
[email protected]
Stay informed – follow us on social media and sign up for our FAIS Newsletter to receive the latest updates,
insights, and exclusive opportunities straight to your inbox.
With appreciation to our Sponsors
